Sayyiduna Abdullah bin Mas'ud (may Allah be pleased with him) says: When a person begins to ask (from Allah Almighty), he should first praise Allah Almighty with the praise that is befitting to Him, then send blessings upon the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), and after that make supplication. By doing so, it is possible that he will succeed (and attain what he desires). This mawquf hadith is in the ruling of marfu'.